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Partnering to Strengthen the Church and Shape the Future

This fall, American River Community Church (ARCC) Lead Pastor Jim Valentine is looking forward to continuing his partnership with �ֲ���ý for two reasons. First, to impact the Greater Sacramento region with the gospel, and second, to meet more �ֲ���ý students. 

In 2010, long before Valentine stepped into the role of lead pastor, ARCC became a �ֲ���ý church partner. What began as a simple connection grew into one of the most valuable ministry relationships Valentine has experienced. Within a year of stepping into the role of lead pastor in 2021, he faced a significant health challenge. It was through the network of relationships fostered by �ֲ���ý’s church partner program that he found himself surrounded by experienced ministry leaders who offered wisdom, encouragement and steady guidance during a challenging season. They became trusted mentors who helped him navigate through the difficulty. Today, Valentine believes those relationships are among the greatest gifts stemming from the partnership, providing insight and encouragement that helped him continue serving the church he loves.

For Valentine, ministry has always been about serving people faithfully. Leading a congregation requires far more than preaching a sermon. It means counseling families, organizing outreach events, shepherding church members through life’s challenges and casting vision for the future. Like many pastors, Valentine finds himself balancing countless responsibilities, but his partnership with �ֲ���ý has transformed both his ministry and his church.

As a partner church, Valentine also has access to student preachers and student worship leaders to help deliver sermons or lead worship. “When you’re a pastor, there are times you have to be away for conferences, family obligations or denominational meetings,” Valentine said. “In the past, we would bring in speakers from our denomination to fill the pulpit. Now, we call on �ֲ���ý students and our congregation absolutely loves it! The students are growing in their faith, developing their gifts and helping our congregation expand its understanding of ministry and the church. We all benefit.”

While the students bring enthusiasm and fresh perspectives, what resonates most with Valentine is that �ֲ���ý students are theologically sound. “As a pastor, my role is to protect my flock,” he said. “As a church partner, I know we align theologically. I know �ֲ���ý teaches solid, biblically based principles. I know I can trust these students to share messages that stay in alignment with biblical teachings because that’s how they are being taught.”

The partnership extends beyond Sunday mornings. When the church hosts major events, community outreach projects or Vacation Bible School programs, �ֲ���ý students have stepped up to help. Just last year, Valentine recommended a student who was helping his church for �ֲ���ý’s Pastor in Training scholarship. “I wasn’t only impressed with her ability to manage projects and volunteers, it was her humility that stood out,” Valentine said. “She has a true servant’s heart which is unique when most young people her age are more interested in being served. Instead, she’s focused on how she can serve others which is a tendency I see in other �ֲ���ý students.”

As his congregation continues to grow, Valentine is already looking ahead. One of his emerging needs will be to find a dedicated youth pastor. “When the time comes, I already know exactly where I’m going to go to look to fill that position,” he said with a smile. “The first place I’ll look is �ֲ���ý. I’ve seen the quality of the students, their character and their heart for ministry.”

For Valentine, the partnership represents more than a helpful resource. It’s a creative, mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens local churches while preparing the next generation of Christian leaders. �ֲ���ý offers a powerful model for the future. “It’s helping students grow, it’s helping pastors grow and it’s helping churches grow,” Valentine said. “That’s a partnership worth investing in and that’s why I’m excited for the fall.”